France’s ‘yellow vests’ march largely without violence as tensions ease

Protesters in a demonstration by the 'yellow vests' movement in Paris on Feb. 9, 2019. Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters

PARIS—Turnout for a 16th round of “yellow vest” protests in France on Mar. 2 was below last week’s levels and marches were largely peaceful, in a relief for President Emmanuel Macron who has struggled to find a response to the movement.

While turnout figures at midday were only half of last week, by nightfall the Interior Ministry counted a total of 39,300 protesters nationwide, of which 4,000 were in Paris.